you made it through infancy and no sleep--- search for a SHORT STORY called "poltergeists" by Jane Shapiro it was in the 1993 (?) Best American Short Story collection .. .. you will feel such relief after you read it

and? know that this will pass-- you just need to keep breathing. xoxo, e

Honestly, Liz, it's a hugely stressful time. And one can appreciate the theory of them testing boundaries and acting out in an environment where they feel safe and loved and which will tolerate their outbursts. But actually having the reality aggressively thrust in your face is quite confronting. I constantly wondered where my lovely sunny, happy, loving little girl went. But you know, she blossomed and matured into a fine, intelligent, sensible, responsible, loving and very witty young woman that I'm proud to call my daughter. If you'd seen the white faced Goth 16 year old version, spitting venom and sneering at me, you'd never have thought it possible.

Angel....WAHAHAHA!Stop.....it hurts from laughing so much. That should sum it up. Although I will admit I had the "bad" kid reputation. She really was the "less" caught kid. And yes Lizardmom is home chuckling. And John.. Yes you are old!Love from the leetle beeg seester!

I knew it! She's a Fallen Angel! I was hoping someone who knew her back then could confirm it. Thankyou leetle beeg seester.

She really was the "less" caught kid. Ha! That sounds like my sister, Kathy. We used to call her The Teflon Kid as nothing seemed to stick to her, even though she was as up to her neck in trouble as the rest of us.

Full of all that you keep shoveling at me! Hah!!! I admit to my delinquent past. And own it. You should too. It really is somewhat freeing. And I thank you ( find a picture of someone being dunked under water and title it danke to add to that awesome picture thingy below!SEESTER

Here is what I *think* I know: Your family has been very tight, close, loving and fun-having. The teenage years are CRAP, but those bonds you formed with your children, and they formed with one another, will still be there when this all blows over. All that wonderful parenting is going to pay off, just as bad parenting does!